Tuesday, 4 September 2018

Memorable Moment #6 Taking your shoes off after a big (successful) day

4 September, 2018

Sometimes I have those days when it feels like a continuous stream of effort. Start to end it's like go go go, and you have no clue what time it is. Then when you do finally check the time, you think your watch must be broken because surely you didn't miss schnack time?! Today was one of those days. Now you may think that I'm about to complain, but no. I genuinely love days like today. Especially when after it has come to an end, you can sit down (or blob out, whatever works for you), and pull your shoes off with both a sense of relief and accomplishment. Sock removal is optional, but what’s not optional is wriggling your toes and rubbing your feet, just like they deserve.

Days like today make me feel like a productive, hard-working human being. Which is quite nice, wouldn't you agree?


Friday, 17 August 2018

Memorable Moment #5 - Reuniting with someone you haven't seen for a long time

17 August, 2018


I don't know about you but admittedly, I can miss people whose company I enjoy within a pretty short period of time. Sometimes within just a matter of days. I might not bump into them one week at a regular event we attend, or they might be away on a trip, and to me, it can feel like I haven't seen that person for ageees. Thus, moving overseas and away from my loved ones and besties - my people, I like to call them - was a pretty big move for me! Not only was I leaving them behind, but I was aware of the fact that I didn't have any close family or friends waiting for me on the other side. I would have to... make new friends - a scary concept, I know.

Don't get me wrong, I have met awesome new people and made super nice friends, but it takes a while to develop those friendships whereby you can be a total weirdo and not worry that they will look at you strangely or judge you. Also, there's nothing like hanging out with family, sharing meals together and watching TV, just simply being in each other's presence.

So when I booked a trip to Melbourne to meet up with my Mum and one of my sisters ( my bestest friend in the whole wide world) who were coming over from NZ after 3 months apart, you can imagine how excited I was! When I arrived at the hotel in Melbourne, and they hadn't yet arrived, I was just buzzing. Waiting, a bit too eager to see their beautiful faces. Then when I heard their voices as they ran down the hallway outside of my hotel room like little children, I quickly hid in the bathroom and turned the lights off, pretending that I wasn't there. The disappointment as they burst through the door, almost pushing each other over trying to get the first hug in, was pretty amusing. When I leaped out from behind the door, we all screamed and went in for a three-way hug. Man, it was the best feeling. Moments like these make me realize how grateful I am to have people in my life that love me as much as I love them.

Wednesday, 15 August 2018

Memorable Moment #4 - That satisfying feeling post-workout

15 August, 2018

We all know how hard it can be to mentally prepare oneself for a workout that is going to push you to your limits and make you regret your choice to workout in the first place. Often we might be getting ready for bed the night before and start trolling for various reasons as to why not to do it...

'Oh no, all the socks that I like to wear for a workout are dirty'

'My feet are still sore from those new shoes I bought'

'What if I bump into that really cute guy from class and he sees me looking all red-faced and sweaty?'

'Well, technically I'll already be doing a workout tomorrow because I have to lift all those heavy boxes at work'

But, somehow, no matter how good these excuses might be, we convince ourselves that no - we have to go. Oooh, that willpower!

The next day we manage to get into that oh-so-comfy activewear and drag ourselves to the gym, and low and behold - find ourselves standing there waiting to start the torturous experience and the overly-enthusiastic instructor is like, 'who's ready to go?!' and we're like 'no'. Just no. Then the time arrives and we have no choice but to smash (or struggle) through a killer workout in order to pursue our fitness, strength, or body goals. Ahh the pain. Why???

I'll tell you why. It's for that feeling of satisfaction you experience once the workout is (finally) over. The sweat is dripping down your face. Your heart rate is through the roof. You look and feel absolutely fantastic (kind of). And you can think to yourself - 'You did good' or maybe even 'daaamn look at me now, all fit and stuff'. Ahh yes. #worthit



Saturday, 11 August 2018

Memorable Moment #3 - My new friend Fred

11 August, 2018.

Today's Memorable Moment - Today I decided that Fred and I could be friends, and I felt pretty good about this. After all, he's not so bad. When I first met Fred though, I really didn't like him. He freaked me out and I wanted to avoid him... unfortunately I couldn't - he lives in my apartment building. No matter what time of the day, whether it be 5.30am in the morning as I headed off to the gym, or 5.30pm at night when I was coming home from work, I'd see him... just looming in the corners. Which is as creepy as it sounds.

But, today, as we crossed paths for the hundredth time in the stairwell, I had a change of heart. I don't know what brought this about, as Fred is still just as creepy as ever, but I thought to myself 'Victoria, you're being unfair. You just moved into this place, and Fred was here first'.

So even though when I walk past him, I still lean slightly away and feel a tad uneasy, I also feel like when life is being crazy, throwing unexpected curveballs in my face, Fred is reliable. Which is nice. I know he's always going to be there, no matter what. And sometimes it's the unchanging aspects of our lives that can bring much-needed comfort.

I just wish he wasn't so big and his legs weren't so creepily long... making me fear that one day he might just spring out of his web at me when I walk past. But for now. Me and Fred can be friends.



Tuesday, 31 July 2018

Memorable Moment #2 - That sunset though

31 July, 2018

Today's Memorable Moment - the feeling that comes when I see that sunset...



I am inspired by and feel in awe of so many things in life that aren't man-made. Things that are untouched and naturally, perfect. Sunsets are one of the things on the top of this list.

Monday to Friday, between 5pm and 6pm, on my way home from work I am lucky enough to experience the most gorgeous view across the city, with an incredible sunset... which is made that much more satisfying due to the huge hill climb I have to suffer in order to get it.

I don't know about you but there's something magical about this huge yellow ball of fire slowly disappearing beneath the horizon and in the process, transforming the sky with a blend of red, oranges, and yellows. Not only do I see the sunset, but I feel it. When I reach the top of that hill, my legs burning (only slightly), I feel hope and joy, and of course, feelings of appreciation for the beautiful world I live in. It reminds me how lucky I am to exist and to be able to see such amazing sights.

”Sunsets are proof that no matter what happens, every day can end beautifully.” – Kristen Butler


Saturday, 28 July 2018

What am I doing?

28 July, 2018. After much procrastination - I have finally decided to kick my A into G and start this blog.

Memorable moments. That's all it is. Simple yet profound. You may question this blog's ability to be profound but let me tell you this - life happens so fast. I know it. You know it. Nevertheless, we don't often do anything about it. Well, this blog is me setting my foot down and forcing myself to stop. To remove myself from the treadmill of life and actually be present. Life is always going, going, going, and before we know it - gone. So I am using this blog as a way to make myself accountable and to remind myself to keep my eyes, ears, and heart open so that I don't let life pass me by. I am going to embrace every day and actually experience its moments - some of which I will share in this blog. They may be funny, beautiful, stupid, meaningful, or even nonsensical, but regardless, they will symbolize a stepping stone in my attempt to live a more mindful and memorable life.

Today's memorable moment - recognizing and experiencing the satisfaction that comes with opting not to procrastinate anymore, and instead, doing the blimin' thing that you told yourself you were going to do a billion times before. I'm telling you - it feels good!